Miami Dade College to Illuminate Freedom Tower in Colors of the LGBTQ Flag

Miami Dade College (MDC) to illuminate its National Historic Landmark Freedom Tower in the colors of the LGBTQ flag, in recognition of Pride Month and the Stonewall riots, a multi-day rebellion against the injustice endured by the gay community that took place almost 50 years ago in New York City. The iconic Freedom Tower will showcase the rainbow pride flag colors, at sunset, Saturday, June 15.

Considered a turning point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States, the riots lasted for three consecutive days between June, 28 and July 1, 1969 in New York City, following a police raid that began at the Stonewall Inn in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan. The event holds great significance within the gay community as it said that its participants shaped a new cultural awareness of a population that was largely rejected at the time. Pride Month was instituted in June to commemorate the riots and to recognize the impact LGBTQ people have had in the world.

The original rainbow pride flag dates back to 1978, and it was created by San Francisco-based artist Gilbert Baker. It is used to symbolize solidarity with LGBTQ movements not just in the U.S. but around the world. Each color of the flag has a meaning: red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, blue for harmony and purple for spirit.

This illumination is part of several commemorative events, including the Champions of Equality Gala, organized by SAVE (Safeguarding American Values for Everyone) Florida’s longest serving LGBTQ advocacy organization, which is based in Miami.